Marquez and Bagnaia form Ducati's MotoGP team, drawing comparisons to the legendary Rossi and Lorenzo duo. "In recent memory, no other team seems to match this caliber," someone remarked.

Ducati's team manager, Davide Tardozzi, claims that the 2025 MotoGP factory team, featuring Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, is comparable only to the iconic pairing of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo when they were with Yamaha.

After Marquez declined the offer of a factory Ducati ride with Pramac for the 2025 season, the Italian company reversed its initial choice to elevate Jorge Martin to the team alongside Bagnaia.

Collectively, Marquez and Bagnaia boast a total of eight MotoGP championships and 11 titles across all categories, making them the most impressive duo on the 2025 lineup based on their achievements.

In a discussion with AS, Tardozzi likened his 2025 team roster to the pairing of Rossi and Lorenzo during their time at Yamaha.

Tardozzi expressed that our team can be likened to the legendary pairing of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

"In recent memory, I believe no other team has reached this level of performance."

"I believe Marc is an excellent motorcyclist, as he is also a remarkable individual. In my opinion, he possesses the wisdom to pay attention and think things through."

"He possesses an international perspective that allows him to have everything ready in advance."

"The individual is completely in sync with the rider. To excel as a rider, one must also possess outstanding personal qualities. Without this, there is a vulnerability."

Ducati's CEO, Claudio Domenicali, likened Marquez and Bagnaia to "supersonic jets" possessing "immense potential."

"Pecco and Marc are both incredible champions, and handling such a multifaceted team is naturally going to be challenging," he mentioned during a Ducati event last December.

"They resemble supersonic jets, challenging to operate yet capable of extraordinary speed. The possibilities are astounding."

The Ducati factory racing team is set to kick off its 2025 season on January 20 in Italy, featuring Marquez and Bagnaia.

This will be Marquez's debut in the official Ducati team colors.

Jorge Martin, the current MotoGP world champion, who clinched the 2024 championship riding a Ducati, announced on Thursday that he will compete with the #1 plate in his debut season with the Aprilia factory team.

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Is Jorge Martin's "key of life" the secret to winning the 2025 MotoGP championship?

"It's definitely crucial to understand the best way to tackle this new endeavor…"

In 2024, Jorge Martin underwent significant psychological growth, which led him to secure his first top-tier championship. Now, he faces the challenge of defending his title as he joins a factory team that has yet to win a MotoGP championship.

Following his 2023 championship loss to Francesco Bagnaia, the Spanish athlete started collaborating with a sports psychologist. The psychological efforts he undertook over the past year resulted in him securing one fewer Grand Prix victory than in 2023. However, he accumulated 80 additional points due to an exceptionally steady season, landing on the podium in 32 out of the 40 races held.

At the Aprilia MotoGP team launch for the 2025 season, Martin expressed his commitment to focusing on mental training. He stated that he has been dedicated to this practice since he began and intends to continue even after he retires. Martin was introduced at the event alongside Marco Bezzecchi as part of the factory team's roster for the current year.

"I believe it is the essence of life."

"I've been putting in a lot of effort and experimenting with different techniques. I'm planning to keep most of it under wraps because I don't want my rivals to gain any insights."

"Undoubtedly, it's crucial to understand the right way to tackle this new project. I believe that if it were Jorge from last year, he would have said, 'I want to achieve victory once more to prove to everyone that I'm the best.'"

"However, my perspective has changed. At present, I am focused on the challenge of leading this project to success. I believe it is a truly worthwhile endeavor."

"No one has previously achieved victory with Aprilia in MotoGP, so I'm eager to change that. I'm determined to pursue this goal."

"I am very determined, yet I can't promise any outcomes because achieving this is entirely unfeasible."

"I assure you of my complete commitment and willingness to make numerous sacrifices to turn this project into a success."

Martin's ability to see the bigger picture enabled him to reach new heights in his 2024 championship-winning season. In contrast to 2023, when errors held him back from claiming a title he had the speed to secure, his improved perspective made all the difference.

The Spanish rider announced his decision to use the #1 plate at the launch event for Aprilia's team. He aims to maintain a similar outlook while taking on his dual role as a World Champion and the head of Aprilia's MotoGP initiative.

Martin expressed that he doesn't have any issue with being the top choice for everyone.

"It's crucial for me to concentrate on aspects within my control, such as maintaining speed, practicing daily, and continually striving to improve my riding skills."

"If people have a positive opinion of me, that’s fine. If they have a negative opinion, that’s also fine. I can’t influence their thoughts, so they are free to believe what they wish."

"My goal is to establish a meaningful project and a fulfilling career that I can look back on with pride once I retire. This is my aspiration. Currently, holding the top position, I am determined to embrace this responsibility, acknowledging that it isn't easy after years of hard work."

"I don't currently see myself as the leading person. However, we can revisit this question at the end of the year or perhaps next year."

Switching to Aprilia for the 2025 season presents a challenge for Martin in his quest to defend the 2024 title, especially considering Ducati's recent stronghold in MotoGP and their impressive roster of factory riders for the next season. However, Martin maintains that he currently holds no specific expectations.

"It's difficult to foresee what might occur in 2025," he remarked when questioned about his chances of securing the 2025 title.

"Possibly, but not certain."

"If we begin positively, I believe there's a significant opportunity for growth. Who can say? We might achieve it, or we might not."

"Therefore, I will refrain from anticipating any specific outcomes right now."

"I intend to set expectations right from the beginning, gradually, with my goal being to become the best version of Martin possible. Meanwhile, Aprilia will focus on striving to be the top manufacturer and creating the finest motorcycle we can."

"This is the sole aspect we have control over."

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In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net team after spending two years reporting on motorcycle news and racing for Visordown.

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New leadership at Aston Martin F1 outlines changes in team structure

Andy Cowell, the newly appointed team principal of Aston Martin, discusses the recent reorganization in management as the team prepares for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Andy Cowell, recently named as the team principal for Aston Martin, has provided insights into a significant reorganization planned before the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Aston Martin revealed last week that Cowell would immediately assume the responsibilities of team principal alongside his current role as chief executive officer.

The British individual, aged 55, has taken over the role previously held by Mike Krack. Krack has been reassigned to a new trackside position that concentrates on performance enhancement.

Tom McCullough, formerly responsible for trackside operations as the performance director, is transitioning to a different position within the broader organization.

Aston Martin stated that the modifications aim to establish a more "horizontal" leadership framework.

Aston Martin ended the season in fifth place in the constructors' championship for the second consecutive year. This time around, drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll managed to secure just 94 points. This was a significant drop from the 280 points they collected in 2023, a season that began with Aston Martin posing a strong challenge to Red Bull right after the winter break.

Cowell, known for his expertise in Mercedes' F1 engines throughout the team's dominant period in the V6 hybrid era, mentioned that the modifications were implemented following several months of assessing the team's performance and their working practices.

In an interview on Aston Martin's official website, Cowell stated that the modifications aim to enhance both the clarity within the organization and the performance of the race car.

"We decided to split the Aerodynamics, Engineering, and Performance Departments into distinct teams, with some focusing on trackside activities and others operating from the AMR Technology Campus."

The group working at the track will be headed by Mike [Krack], who has taken on the position of Chief Trackside Officer. Enrico [Cardile] will oversee the other team as the Chief Technical Officer. Both will be accountable to me.

This reorganization allows Mike's group to concentrate on optimizing the car's performance at each Grand Prix, while Enrico's group can dedicate their efforts to the intricate task of designing a new race car.

Aston Martin views the creation of a successful team as their guiding principle. The team has high hopes of competing for the championship titles in the near future. They aim to take advantage of the new engine and design rules set to be implemented in Formula 1 starting in 2026.

Team owner Lawrence Stroll, known for his ambitious vision, has invested millions into the initiative, which includes establishing a new campus at Silverstone that Aston Martin relocated to in 2023.

A cutting-edge wind tunnel is expected to be functional by 2026, and Aston Martin has arranged for Honda to be their sole supplier of power units starting that season.

Renowned Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey is set to become the managing technical partner starting in March. Meanwhile, Enrico Cardile, who previously led the chassis department at Ferrari, will assume the role of chief technical officer.

"Our ultimate goal is to create a team capable of winning a World Championship. Every conversation we have is focused on what it will take to turn this dream into a reality," stated Cowell.

My role involves determining whether the organization is properly set up to fulfill this vision. This includes assessing if the structure is appropriate, if we have the right personnel in the right roles, if our infrastructure is adequate, and if everyone is united and collaborating effectively.

I outline the main goals for the executive team and collaborate with them to create a plan to achieve these objectives, ensuring they align with our desired outcomes. Additionally, I ensure that we focus on the most important tasks and address them in the correct sequence.

Lawrence has placed immense confidence in my ability to guide this team to the forefront of the lineup. It's both an honor and a humbling experience.

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Aston Martin openly acknowledges concerning progress issues

Andy Cowell concedes that Aston Martin has not met expectations in the development of their Formula 1 car.

Aston Martin's team leader, Andy Cowell, acknowledged that their team did not meet expectations in their development efforts throughout the 2024 F1 season.

The team based in Silverstone started the 2023 season as the closest competitors to Red Bull following an impressive overhaul during the winter, with Fernando Alonso securing eight podium finishes throughout the season.

Last season, Aston Martin managed to retain their fifth position in the constructors' championship, but their performance declined. Neither Fernando Alonso nor Lance Stroll achieved any podium finishes, and the team only accumulated 94 points, a significant drop from the 280 points they secured in 2023.

Over the past two years, Aston Martin has faced challenges in enhancing their Formula 1 cars as the season progresses. Cowell, who took on the role of team principal last week amid a restructuring of the organization, acknowledged this as a shortcoming.

Dan Fallows was relieved of his role as technical director towards the end of last year due to this troubling pattern.

"The entire team is putting in a lot of effort," Cowell mentioned to Aston Martin's official website.

"We certainly took the lead in 2024 for the highest number of updates, yet those modifications didn't translate into faster laps. Ultimately, the goal in this industry is to enhance lap times."

This doesn't mean we need to succeed on every attempt. I've come across data indicating that in genuine research and development settings, achieving success 20% of the time is considered a strong performance.

"If we achieve a 20% success rate, that's positive. However, it's crucial that this occurs at the AMR Technology Campus rather than on the racetrack."

Aston Martin has relocated to a new campus and is set to have a cutting-edge wind tunnel operational by 2026.

However, Cowell mentioned that improvements can be made using the resources that the team currently possesses.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all tools and procedures at the Technology Campus are functioning effectively so that when we implement an update to the circuit, we can be at least 90 percent confident that it will perform successfully on the track and align with our expectations.

Attaining this goal is challenging, yet it remains essential for our objectives. We possess cutting-edge CFD tools and are about to launch the sport's most sophisticated wind tunnel. However, these are merely simulations, and there is always a chance that the data might not align perfectly with our findings on the track. Despite this, our simulations provide us with strong guidance, and I am optimistic that we can reach a 90 percent accuracy rate.

Teams that have won the World Championship are working at that high standard, so we need to strive for at least that level.

Aston Martin is not solely concentrating on 2026. The company has ambitious plans to become a contender for the championship in the coming years. They view the upcoming changes in engine and design regulations set for 2026 as a significant chance to advance towards leading the grid.

This year, the team's design department is expected to be bolstered by bringing in renowned F1 designer Adrian Newey from Red Bull and Ferrari's chief technical officer Enrico Cardile.

Beginning in 2026, Aston Martin will assume the use of Honda engines, which are currently used by Red Bull.

Cowell emphasized that while 2026 presents a significant opportunity, the focus extends beyond that year to include 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030. The aim is to develop a team capable of maintaining long-term success.

"Certainly, 2026 holds significance, yet it is merely one stage in our ongoing path. Equally, 2025 represents a crucial milestone in our progress. Our attention is on enhancing our performance this year to build a strong foundation for success as we move towards 2026."

"It is crucial not to downplay the magnitude of the challenge involved in integrating all these components. We need to shift from a customer team to a works team while simultaneously adapting to new regulations. Additionally, we have to develop and produce our own gearbox and other car parts that were previously provided by Mercedes."

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. By providing on-the-scene reports, Lewis shares the narratives of key figures within the racing community.

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Helmut Marko identifies the former F1 driver he let go as his "greatest error" in his role as Red Bull advisor. During his tenure in Formula 1, Helmut Marko has labeled this decision as his "biggest mistake."

Helmut Marko has described bringing Nyck De Vries on board as his "biggest error" in his role as Red Bull's Formula 1 advisor.

Since 2005, Marko has been an important figure at Red Bull, overseeing their program for young talent.

The Austrian typically plays a key role in determining which young racers join the team and who gets their first opportunity to race in Formula 1 with Racing Bulls, previously known as AlphaTauri and Toro Rosso.

After Pierre Gasly chose to depart from the team to join Alpine at the conclusion of 2022, Red Bull encountered a lack of drivers.

They chose not to offer the position to any of their less experienced drivers and decided to bring De Vries on board instead.

In his singular appearance substituting for Alex Albon at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix, De Vries managed to earn points for the Williams team.

Nevertheless, the Dutch driver faced difficulties in delivering strong performances after being assigned a permanent position for the 2023 season.

After only ten races, Daniel Ricciardo ended up taking his place.

Marko expressed to Autosprint that his most significant error was unquestionably Nyck De Vries.

"He performed impressively during his first race with Williams at Monza. However, after joining AlphaTauri, he did not advance."

"His achievements were impressive, having won the FIA F2 championship and the Formula E world title. However, our timing results indicated that Nyck wasn't the right fit for us. In his efforts to improve his speed, he unfortunately made errors."

Marko and Red Bull, having reflected on their previous errors, have chosen to advance their internal team members for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Liam Lawson has taken over Sergio Perez's position to race with Max Verstappen, and Isack Hadjar is now teaming up with Yuki Tsunoda at RB.

The Red Bull junior program has achieved remarkable success.

Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen successfully navigated their challenges, securing several world championships while driving for Red Bull.

Ricciardo achieved victory in seven out of eight races for the team, whereas Gasly secured a win for their junior team in 2020.

Carlos Sainz departed from the Red Bull organization to pursue a successful career with teams like Renault, McLaren, and, most recently, Ferrari.

At some stage in their racing careers, eight of the drivers presently competing in Formula 1 have been affiliated with the Red Bull junior program.

The group of drivers includes Verstappen, Sainz, Gasly, Albon, Tsunoda, Hadjar, Lawson, and Jack Doohan.

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Romano Albesiano appears on the track for the first time in his capacity as the new HRC technical director at a private test session in Buriram, while Aleix Espargaro hints at the 2025 Honda model.

As his old Aprilia MotoGP team gained attention with its 2025 debut in Italy, Aleix Espargaro has returned to the circuit at Buriram with HRC.

Following his retirement, Espargaro passed the RS-GP project to his close friend and current champion, Jorge Martin. He quickly transitioned into his new position as a Honda test rider, participating in sessions at Barcelona, Jerez, and most recently, Buriram.

Crash.net has disclosed that Romano Albesiano, the new technical director for HRC, accompanied Espargaro to Thailand this week.

The Italian, previously involved with Espargaro in transforming the RS-GP into a MotoGP-winning machine, made his first appearance on the track for HRC. He had not participated in the Barcelona and Jerez tests because he was still under contract with Aprilia at that time.

Update: Aleix Espargaro has shared a photo showing that Albesiano attended the event in Buriram.

Check out this Instagram post shared by Aleix 41, also known as @aleixespargaro.

There is limited information available about the private testing session in Buriram this week. However, Espargaro shared an image of the new RC213V on Instagram on Friday, the second day of the test.

Selecting Buriram comes as a bit of a shock since it hasn't been chosen as a private testing site for MotoGP before.

In addition to being the new starting race for the 2025 season, the Thai circuit is also set to host the last official pre-season test on February 12-13 next month.

Honda Racing Corporation might be using the private test sessions to assess equipment before the two Sepang events, starting with the Shakedown on January 31st and the official test on February 5th. Additionally, they may be collecting information for the forthcoming Official Buriram test.

Michelin provides specially designed tires that can withstand high heat and stress for the Thai racetrack.

Espargaro is believed to be teaming up with former full-time racer Takaaki Nakagami this week, and is anticipated to participate in the Sepang testing sessions.

Due to concessions, all four of Honda's race riders are eligible to join the Shakedown. However, in an effort to preserve their testing tires, it is likely that only the newcomer from Thailand, Somkiat Chantra, will hit the Sepang circuit before the Official Malaysian test.

Honda HRC factory racers Joan Mir and Luca Marini will undoubtedly be absent for portions of the Shakedown as their team unveiling is scheduled for February 1 in Indonesia, coinciding with the second day of the test.

On the first evening of the Shakedown, Yamaha is also conducting the launch events for its MotoGP teams, Monster and Pramac.

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For two decades, Peter has been a presence in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Aprilia's braking issue? "Barcelona made me think differently," says Fabiano Sterlacchini. "However, after the test in Barcelona, my perspective shifted somewhat."

High-speed turns are advantageous, while tight, slow corners are disadvantageous. This has frequently been the common perception of the Aprilia RS-GP in the MotoGP circuit.

However, during last season, the distinction was occasionally unclear. For instance, the RS-GP didn't perform as strongly in the quicker segments at Catalunya. Conversely, it unexpectedly secured a podium finish in the Sprint race at the Red Bull Ring, known for its demanding braking zones, although it was outpaced in the Grand Prix race.

Fabiano Sterlacchini, who has recently become the new technical director at Aprilia, mentioned that he had also perceived the 'braking weakness' issue while observing from his former high-level positions at Ducati and KTM.

However, his perspective shifted somewhat due to the RS-GP's strong showing in the intense braking zones during the Barcelona finale, where Aleix Espargaro secured 4th and 5th places. Additionally, insights from former Ducati racers Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi during the post-race test influenced his thinking.

Sterlacchini expressed that, based on his previous experiences competing against Aprilia, he had always believed that braking was a vulnerability for the bike. However, after observing its performance in Spielberg, which is known for its 'stop and go' nature, his perspective shifted.

"However, after the test in Barcelona, my perspective shifted somewhat."

"Not only did the new riders express their confidence in the bike's front-end stability, but Aleix's braking performance in Barcelona also demonstrated the bike's capabilities."

"We need to figure out why, historically, the bike—or the equipment overall—has struggled with heavy braking and tight, sharp turns. It's essential to address this issue because admitting we have a vulnerability isn't acceptable if we aim to be competitive in every race."

The RS-GP's erratic behavior during braking and acceleration, which is believed to be related to its electronic systems, has also posed a challenge.

Sterlacchini acknowledged that electronics have been a key focus for them during the off-season.

"Particularly in Barcelona, the dynamics observed might compel you to adopt a particular configuration to counteract these movements. Typically, implementing such a solution means sacrificing some level of performance."

"We are definitely focusing on the electronics, as it's an area we're actively developing. We're getting ready with some equipment for the upcoming test session at Sepang, particularly because the track there is well-suited for evaluating electronics."

Since 2022, Aprilia has achieved a total of eight wins, including both Sprint and Grand Prix races. They were the sole manufacturer to outperform Ducati last season. However, no Aprilia rider has managed to secure a position higher than fourth in the ultimate MotoGP rankings.

As Aprilia embarks on a new chapter with Martin, Bezzecchi, and Sterlacchini, the key focus is on maintaining 'consistency'. However, achieving this goal is more challenging than it seems.

"Improving the bike's consistency requires daily effort and strong commitment," stated Sterlacchini. "However, I believe it's essential to rely on data to assess the situation; otherwise, we're just left with subjective views."

The Italian pointed out that the presence of eight Ducati bikes in recent seasons contributed to their consistent performance. This number is set to decrease to six in 2025.

"Of course, I don't want to undermine the impressive capabilities of the Ducati bike, but it's important to note that having eight riders with varying traits…"

"Considering the results of Bagnaia and Jorge in Austin, where they didn't make it to the podium, their performance was lacking. However, Bastianini managed to secure a third-place finish!"

"The level of competitiveness should be assessed under identical conditions."

Intriguingly, Sterlacchini also described the ripple effect on mental well-being that can result from a weekend lacking competition.

"Being consistent is crucial when it comes to cycling. The reason for this is because the sport heavily relies on motivation and your confidence in your actions," he explained.

"Motivation plays a crucial role in performance, and if you face challenges in one race, the negative impact can carry over to the next race."

"While you may have a strong setup for the upcoming race, the lingering negativity still impacts you. Therefore, maintaining consistency is essential."

Summarizing his approach to MotoGP design, Sterlacchini, who has succeeded Romano Albesiano, now heading to HRC, asserts that achieving success hinges on combining rider insights with the latest advancements in engineering.

"We might be experiencing a transformative period in the world of motorcycle racing," he stated.

"Previously, the design process relied entirely on feedback from riders. Nowadays, it has become so complex that this input alone is insufficient."

"It is crucial to pay attention to what the rider has to say. Additionally, engineering and analysis are essential to achieving an improved motorcycle."

"Riders attempt to comprehend the actions of the bike. However, it's clear that they aren't flawless 'sensors' with impeccable 'CPUs' capable of grasping every detail. This is precisely why engineers are present."

"The approach involves discovering the ideal balance between the rider's intuition and the crucial engineering elements that drive performance."

Sterlacchini's RS-GP25 is set to hit the track again in early February at the Sepang test. The factory team will feature a new roster of riders, including current champion Martin and three-time race winner Bezzecchi.

Statements shared by Crash.net's reporter, Alex Whitworth.

For two decades, Peter has been a familiar face in the paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is currently closely involved with reporting on Suzuki's departure and the ongoing injury challenges faced by Marc Marquez.

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Lewis Hamilton Expected to Elevate Ferrari's Performance

Former Ferrari Expert Foresees Lewis Hamilton's Influence

According to a former key figure at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton has the potential to help bring the team nearer to winning championships.

In the previous year, Ferrari surpassed Red Bull to secure second place, trailing only McLaren, in the constructors' championship.

Charles Leclerc secured the third spot in the drivers' rankings, while Carlos Sainz ended in fifth place. Together, they achieved victories in five grand prix races.

The addition of Hamilton for the 2025 season raises the stakes for the renowned Italian team, which has not secured a drivers' championship since Kimi Raikkonen's victory in 2007.

Rob Smedley, who previously worked as an engineer for Ferrari during their successful era, expressed his deep admiration for Lewis. Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, he highlighted his appreciation for both Lewis's contributions to the sport and his activities beyond it.

"I'm thrilled that he's joining Ferrari."

"I believe it's appropriate. It's unusual for everyone when a driver of such high standing switches teams, especially after achieving significant success with a different team."

"You'll move past it quickly."

"During the initial months of the season, he will be driving for Ferrari, and it will seem as though he has always been part of the team."

Check out this Instagram post from Crash.net, focusing on Formula 1 (@crashnetformula1).

Hamilton's Switch to Ferrari Seen as Positive

"It's beneficial for the sport. There are no drawbacks or downsides."

"If he manages to secure his eighth championship while driving for Ferrari, it would be like a fairytale come true."

Lewis is set to elevate the team, helping them achieve consistent performance.

"Lewis's departure has created an opportunity for another highly talented individual to join the sport. This is something that pleases me."

Kimi Antonelli is a powerful and promising young driver.

"I can't find any negatives, just positives in this situation. I'm pleased that Lewis has taken this step."

Hamilton is set to team up with Leclerc, forming an exciting pair. He is scheduled to drive a Ferrari for the first time next week in Italy, although it will be an earlier model of their Formula 1 car.

After three seasons driving a Mercedes that couldn't consistently compete with the leading cars, he has decided to leave the team.

Lewis Hamilton has an opportunity to surpass the record for the most drivers' championships, a title he currently holds alongside Michael Schumacher.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sports, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Ducati Identifies Major Rival as Upcoming Season Approaches

Specialists Forecast the Main Challenger to Ducati

Ducati is the leading team in MotoGP and has put together a pair of riders for 2025 that other teams greatly admire.

According to the writers at Crash.net, they've identified the manufacturer and rider likely to consistently challenge Ducati's dominance…

Jordan Moreland: While many might immediately think of Jorge Martin and Aprilia, that's not the conclusion I've reached.

Even though their future is uncertain, KTM has a standout talent for the ages in Pedro Acosta.

As he joins the factory team in 2025, I am confident that he will be the one to challenge Ducati.

He possesses exceptional skill and is eager to secure his first victory in MotoGP, having nearly achieved it several times in 2024.

KTM boasts its most formidable team in MotoGP, featuring Brad Binder and Acosta, while Tech3 KTM welcomes Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini. The Austrian manufacturer is under pressure to deliver swift results, as this could significantly impact the team's future and attract potential investors who are keeping a close eye on their performance.

Lewis Duncan reported that in 2024, Ducati proved to be an unbeatable powerhouse, clinching victory in 19 out of the 20 grand prix races available. This overwhelming performance secured them a third consecutive riders’ championship, leaving their competitors far behind.

Considering the difficulties faced by Japanese manufacturers and the unpredictability surrounding KTM's capabilities in 2025 due to its ongoing financial issues, the only brand besides Ducati that secured a race victory in 2024 emerges as the most apparent competitor.

Last season, Aprilia fell to third place in the constructors' rankings, but various important elements might elevate its position again, posing a challenge to Ducati.

The current world champion, Jorge Martin, stood out in 2024, frequently outperforming his competitors on the Ducati. Both his expertise and that of Marco Bezzecchi with the Desmosedici will prove beneficial for Aprilia. Additionally, Fabiano Sterlacchini, who joins as the technical director after working with KTM and Ducati, is expected to bring innovative concepts to Noale's racing team.

Peter McLaren: Jorge Martin thrived in his role as the 'underdog' while racing as an Independent rider for Pramac, as he competed for the championship against factory team standout Bagnaia.

Switching to Aprilia places Martin in a familiar underdog role, a scenario where he appears to excel. However, this time he carries the assurance of a world champion and enjoys the complete support of a factory team.

The RS-GP was the sole motorcycle to overcome Ducati in the previous year, securing four victories, including during Sprints.

It would be a significant challenge for Martin to compete for the championship in 2025. However, after making history as the first Independent rider to win a 'MotoGP' championship, could he secure Aprilia's first top-class title?

It would be unexpected if he doesn't secure victories, and if the Ducati Lenovo competitors start focusing too much on each other and lose points, Martin's excellent qualifying abilities and steady performance might lead to a significant surprise. As someone who prefers not to frequently adjust his bike's settings, his success largely hinges on how effectively he adapts to the RS-GP25.

In my opinion, Pedro Acosta and KTM could pose a significant challenge to Ducati.

Derry Munikartono has chosen the familiar contenders, KTM and Aprilia, as the competing manufacturers likely to challenge the dominant Italian force.

Aprilia's factory team is set to be strengthened by the addition of the current MotoGP champion, Jorge Martin, joining forces with former Ducati rider Marco Bezzecchi.

In the current season, KTM boasts a particularly intriguing roster of riders. The Factory Team includes Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder. Additionally, Tech3 KTM features two Grand Prix winners, Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini.

There is no question about the promising prospects of both manufacturing plants. However, they need to address certain challenges before they can position themselves as a serious competitor to Ducati.

It is evident that the financial difficulties faced by Pierer Mobility Group, the parent company, are impacting KTM, affecting their MotoGP initiative as well.

Their strategy for the 2025 season is still on track, as they had allocated the budget for it before any financial issues arose. However, what lies ahead after this season is uncertain, and the progress of the RC16 is also unclear.

Aprilia's financial situation has improved, yet they are still facing some issues.

The team from Noale is currently undergoing a "rebuilding" period. They have lost three out of their four riders from the previous year and have brought in a new technical director, Fabiano Sterlacchini, who comes from KTM.

Following a disappointing conclusion to their hopeful 2024 season, Aprilia faces significant challenges in improving the RS-GP to compete with Ducati.

Regarding the Japanese brand, they face a significant challenge if they hope to compete with Ducati.

I predict that Yamaha will continue to make significant progress with the development of their M1 motorcycle this season, while Honda is expected to do likewise with their RCV model.

In my opinion, Yamaha will return to the MotoGP podium, whereas Honda is expected to consistently finish within the top 10.

Alex Whitworth: KTM secured the second spot in the 2024 constructors' rankings, however, the 2025 season seems to be shaping up as Aprilia's opportunity to dominate.

The Austrian firm’s financial difficulties have been widely reported, and they are likely to affect how they perform on the track, though the specifics of this impact are yet to be confirmed.

Conversely, Aprilia has gained new technical guidance with Fabiano Sterlacchini and, crucially for 2025, has enhanced its team of riders by bringing in Marco Bezzecchi and the newly crowned MotoGP World Champion, Jorge Martin.

Martin is expected to outperform Bezzecchi, yet both riders have the potential to frequently secure podium finishes. While challenging the factory Ducati riders consistently might be a stretch, it's not out of the realm of possibility. However, they should be able to maintain a steady lead over KTM, particularly as the season progresses.

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Marco Bezzecchi commented, "If I say something wrong now, it could be an issue!"

He remarked, "There were so many people that I thought, 'Alright, if I make a mistake now, it's going to be problematic!'"

Following three years with the VR46 satellite team, Marco Bezzecchi experienced the true essence of being a factory MotoGP racer during his initial outing with Aprilia at the Barcelona test in November.

Bezzecchi described his initial involvement with a factory team as an exciting experience. He noted a significant contrast between being part of a satellite team and a factory team. In this new role, he represents an entire brand, with hundreds of individuals supporting him, which he finds incredible.

"The most significant change occurs within the pit area. When you halt there, the number of individuals surrounding you is noticeably greater."

"I felt a little anxious because when I took my seat, I noticed a large crowd and thought to myself, ‘If I say anything foolish now, it's going to be an issue!’" he quipped.

"It was quite impressive. Additionally, I observed a lot of activity in the factory, and they genuinely make an effort to provide you with everything you require."

"Certainly, the satellite team does its best to assist you, but it's a completely different situation when you have the support of a manufacturer."

While reigning champion Jorge Martin, Aprilia's other new recruit, has understandably attracted most of the attention, Bezzecchi's signing has been warmly welcomed by Italian supporters.

The CEO of Aprilia Racing, Massimo Rivola, initially attempted to recruit Bezzecchi from Moto2 back in 2020.

Bez declined the opportunity, and following a disappointing performance in 2024 alongside the ascent of Martin and Marc Marquez, the Italian lost his chance with the factory Ducati team right when a spot opened up at Aprilia.

In late 2020, Massimo invited me to move up to MotoGP, but I didn't think I was prepared for it at that point, Bezzecchi explained. As a result, I chose to remain in Moto2, but he still gave me the chance to hold the handlebar!

"Last year, when I learned about Aleix's retirement, I quickly told my manager, 'Let's aim for a spot at Aprilia.' We were both interested in making it happen, and it was great because Massimo offered me the other handlebar!"

"I believe it's an exceptional family. I was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception I received when I toured the factory yesterday. The employees gazed at us with tears in their eyes, which was a deeply moving experience for me."

"I aim to build a lasting connection with them and wish that everyone enjoys it. Above all, I hope I can achieve high speeds with this bike."

In 2024, the GP23 season didn't leave much of an impression, but Bezzecchi managed to demonstrate his skills by securing three victories in MotoGP and finishing third in the 2023 world championship.

What emotions will arise from securing a victory for Aprilia?

"It will be entirely distinct," he remarked. "Each race ultimately stands apart from the rest. Currently, I am experiencing a great deal of support and affection from the team at Aprilia, which fills me with positivity. It allows me to relax a bit more."

"I am optimistic that this victory will arrive shortly. I understand the challenges involved. Our main objective is to quickly become accustomed to one another—myself to the motorcycle and the team, and the team to me as well."

"I'm not sure how I'll feel if I achieve a victory with Aprilia, but I will likely shed tears! Crying from happiness is a wonderful thing!"

At the Barcelona test, Bezzecchi finished 13th but was closely competitive with Martin. He is set to return to the RS-GP25 during the pre-season testing session at Sepang in February.

Statements shared by Alex Whitworth, a journalist from Crash.net.

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Marco Bezzecchi expressed his concern by saying, "If I make a silly comment now, it could be an issue!" He explained further, "There were so many people around that I thought, 'Alright, if I say something foolish now, it might cause a problem!'"

Following three years with the satellite VR46 team, Marco Bezzecchi fully grasped the experience of being a factory MotoGP rider during his initial outing for Aprilia at the test session in Barcelona in November.

Bezzecchi described his initial experience with a factory team as quite exciting. He noted that transitioning from a satellite team to a factory team is a significant change. Being the representative of an entire brand means having the support of hundreds of people, which he finds incredible.

"The most significant change occurs within the pit area. When you halt for a pit stop, there are noticeably more individuals surrounding you."

He humorously remarked, "I felt a bit anxious when I took my seat and noticed the large crowd. I thought to myself, 'If I say something foolish now, it could be an issue!'"

"It was quite impressive. Additionally, I noticed a lot of effort being put in at the factory, and they genuinely strive to provide you with all the necessary resources."

"Naturally, the satellite team does their best to assist, but having a manufacturer supporting you makes a significant difference."

While Jorge Martin, the current champion and another recent addition to the Aprilia team, has understandably taken center stage, Marco Bezzecchi's signing has been well-received by the Italian fans.

In 2020, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, Massimo Rivola, made his initial attempt to bring Bezzecchi over from Moto2.

Bez declined the opportunity, and after a disappointing 2024 season coupled with the ascension of Martin and Marc Marquez, the Italian lost his chance to join the Ducati factory team right when a spot opened up at Aprilia.

In late 2020, Massimo invited me to become part of MotoGP, but I wasn't prepared for it at that moment, Bezzecchi explained. Therefore, I chose to remain in Moto2, but he still provided me with the handlebar grip!

"Last year, when I found out that Aleix was planning to retire, I quickly told my manager, 'Let's attempt to join Aprilia.' There was mutual interest, so it was great when Massimo offered me the other spot on the team!"

"I believe this is an exceptional family. I was not anticipating the heartfelt reception I received during my visit to the factory yesterday. The way people gazed at us, with tears in their eyes, was incredibly moving for me."

"I aim to build a lasting partnership with them and wish that everyone appreciates it. Most importantly, I hope to achieve high speeds with this bike."

The 2024 season on the GP23 wasn't particularly memorable, but Bezzecchi demonstrated his skill by securing three MotoGP victories and finishing third in the 2023 world championship standings.

What emotions will accompany a victory for Aprilia?

"Certainly, it will be entirely unique," he remarked. "Ultimately, each race stands out from the rest. At this moment, I'm experiencing a lot of affection from the team at Aprilia, which fills me with positive emotions. I feel like I can relax a little more."

"I hope this victory is just around the corner. I understand it's challenging. Our main goal is to adjust to one another as swiftly as possible. This involves me getting used to the bike and the team, and the team also getting accustomed to me."

"I'm not sure how I would react if I secured a victory for Aprilia, but tears would likely flow! Shedding tears out of happiness is a wonderful thing!"

Bezzecchi, who finished 13th yet was competitive with Martin during the Barcelona test, is set to return to the RS-GP25 for the pre-season testing at Sepang in February.

Statements shared by Alex Whitworth, a journalist from Crash.net.

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For the past two decades, Peter has spent his time in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career from beginning to end. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Jorge Martin, who was feeling the effects of a hangover, described the front end experience during his debut with Aprilia in MotoGP as "incredible." He expressed that it was the finest bike he had ever ridden regarding the front end, calling it "crazy."

Jorge Martin, the newly crowned MotoGP champion, admitted to feeling somewhat "worn out" as he secured an eleventh-place finish during his first ride with Aprilia at the test event in Barcelona this past November.

However, the Spaniard still enjoyed the responsive handling of the RS-GP, which was the only motorcycle besides Ducati to secure victories in the previous season.

During the official launch event for the Aprilia team, Martin chuckled as he recounted the challenges he faced during the Barcelona test on Tuesday. He admitted that he was still recovering from a wild party on Sunday, which made riding particularly tough. It was also announced at the event that Martin would be using the #1 plate for the upcoming season.

When I got on the bike, I wasn't sure what to anticipate, so I approached it with an open mind. The sensation from the front was amazing and beyond belief. In my opinion, it was the best front end experience I've ever had on a bike. It was astonishing.

"I initially struggled to keep up the pace, but as I gained momentum, I noticed some challenges arising," said Martin, who has been with Pramac Ducati in MotoGP since 2020.

"It might not have been an issue for Aleix or Maverick, but I definitely felt it. The motion seemed less steady compared to the Ducati. Once we made some adjustments, everything stabilized."

Aprilia provided Martin and his new teammate, Marco Bezzecchi, the opportunity to test the 2024 motorcycle along with a prototype for the 2025 model.

Martin expressed optimism about the future, noting that they experimented with several innovations for 2025, including an updated fairing and overall modifications to the bike. He emphasized that these changes represent a significant improvement over the 2024 model.

"I had some difficulty with traction, but I believe it's more about me getting used to the bike than an issue with the bike itself."

“The bike seems excellent and quite competitive to me, but I require some time to figure out where I can push harder, where I can gain time, and where I should take it easier.”

Martin admitted that he must adjust the way he rides in order to fully utilize the RS-GP's capabilities.

During the Barcelona test, I was handling the bike as if it were still a Ducati. I realized I need to significantly adjust my riding style, he stated.

"I have spent the winter assessing areas for improvement."

"I've been reviewing numerous races to identify the strengths, such as Maverick's performance in Austin and Aleix's success in Silverstone."

"I believe the bike is excellent. I just need some time to get used to it. Overall, I am confident we can perform really well."

Martin is set to undergo five additional days of testing, beginning at Sepang next month, before he makes his debut with Aprilia at the Buriram Grand Prix in March.

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